Capstone internership at BFAR 4A with a mini-study on : bacterial and ectoparasitic detection in cultured nile tilapia (Orechromis niloticus) from Bunot Lake, Laguna

Date

4-2026

Adviser

Aprhodite M. Macale

Principal

Buela, Mabel S.

Abstract

In the Philippines, where Nile tilapia is a major aquaculture species, maintaining optimal water quality is essential, as suboptimal environmental conditions can increase susceptibility to bacterial and parasitic and bacterial infections with zoonotic potential. This study aims to detect ectoparasitic (Trichodina, ich, flukes) and bacterial (Streptococcus, Aeromonas, Flavobacterium) presence in Nile tilapia, and analyze their relationship to physicochemical water quality parameters and total bacterial count from selected fish cages in order to recommend specific mitigation strategies to improve fish health and reduce disease risks. Samples were collected from two sample sites in Bunot Lake, San Pablo City, in January 2026. As allowed by the the local Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, a total of six tilapia samples and six water samples were collected following standard sampling procedures. The chosen methodology adhered to the diagnostic framework established by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, specifically utilizing Level 1 (field diagnosis) and Level 2 (laboratory confirmation) procedures. Results consistently showed that all obtained fish samples were infected with parasites, particularly Trichodina spp. and gill-associated flukes, with moderate to high intensity. Water quality analysis indicated that certain physicochemical parameters did not meet standard measurements, suggesting environmental stress within the lake. Microbiological testing reflected high bacterial loads in water samples, while identifying Gram-positive cocci, confirmed as Streptococcus agalactiae, in fish tissues. Descriptive-comparative analysis confirmed that the consistent occurrence of parasites, bacteria, and suboptimal water conditions suggests a relationship where environmental factors may increase fish susceptibility to infection. The researchers acknowledge that due to the limited sample size and sample sites, the data is not representative of the entirety of Bunot Lake. The researchers recommend that routine disease diagnosis and water quality monitoring should be regularly conducted to prevent disease outbreaks in fish and exposure of local fisherfolk to zoonotic pathogens.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Document Type

Capstone

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